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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 109 records · Page 6

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NASA NTRS1978

Experimental determination of the navigation error of the 4-D navigation, guidance, and control systems on the NASA B-737 airplane

Navigation error data from these flights are presented in a format utilizing three independent axes - horizontal, vertical, and time. The navigation position estimate error term and the autopilot flight technical error term are combined to form the total navigation error in each axis. This method of error presentation allows comparisons to be made between other 2-, 3-, or 4-D navigation systems and allows experimental or theoretical determination of the navigation error terms. Position estimate error data are presented with the navigation system position estimate based on dual DME radio updates that are smoothed with inertial velocities, dual DME radio updates that are smoothed with true airspeed and magnetic heading, and inertial velocity updates only. The normal mode of navigation with dual DME updates that are smoothed with inertial velocities resulted in a mean error of 390 m with a standard deviation of 150 m in the horizontal axis; a mean error of 1.5 m low with a standard deviation of less than 11 m in the vertical axis; and a mean error as low as 252 m with a standard deviation of 123 m in the time axis.

Knox, C. E.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Wind tunnel seeding particles for laser velocimeter

The design of an optimal air foil has been a major challenge for aerospace industries. The main objective is to reduce the drag force while increasing the lift force in various environmental air conditions. Experimental verification of theoretical and computational results is a crucial part of the analysis because of errors buried in the solutions, due to the assumptions made in theoretical work. Experimental studies are an integral part of a good design procedure; however, empirical data are not always error free due to environmental obstacles or poor execution, etc. The reduction of errors in empirical data is a major challenge in wind tunnel testing. One of the recent advances of particular interest is the use of a non-intrusive measurement technique known as laser velocimetry (LV) which allows for obtaining quantitative flow data without introducing flow disturbing probes. The laser velocimeter technique is based on measurement of scattered light by the particles present in the flow but not the velocity of the flow. Therefore, for an accurate flow velocity measurement with laser velocimeters, two criterion are investigated: (1) how well the particles track the local flow field, and (2) the requirement of light scattering efficiency to obtain signals with the LV. In order to demonstrate the concept of predicting the flow velocity by velocity measurement of particle seeding, the theoretical velocity of the gas flow is computed and compared with experimentally obtained velocity of particle seeding.

Ghorieshi, Anthony↗

NASA NTRS1978

Microprocessor-based cardiopulmonary monitoring system

The system uses a dedicated microprocessor for transducer control and data acquisition and analysis. No data will be stored in this system, but the data will be transmitted to the onboard data system. The data system will require approximately 12 inches of rack space and will consume only 100 watts of power. An experiment specific control panel, through a series of lighted buttons, will guide the operator through the test series providing a smaller margin of error. The experimental validity of the system was verified, and the reproducibility of data and reliability of the system checked. In addition, ease of training, ease of operator interaction, and crew acceptance were evaluated in actual flight conditions.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1987

Hydrogen oxidation mechanism with applications to (1) the chaperon efficiency of carbon dioxide and (2) vitiated air testing

Ignition delay times for the hydrogen/oxygen/carbon dioxide/argon system were obtained behind reflected shock waves. A detailed kinetic mechanism modeled the experimental hydrogen/oxygen data, Skinner and Ringrose's high-pressure data, and Slack and Grillo's hydrogen/air data. A carbon dioxide chaperon efficiency of 7.0 +/- 0.2 was determined. The reaction pathway H2O yields H2O2 yields OH yields H was required to model the high-pressure data. It is suggested that some of the lowest temperature data points (1.0 and 0.5 atm) for Slack and Grillo's hydrogen/air experiments are in error. It was found that the technique of simplifying a detailed kinetic mechanism for a limited range of experimental data may render the model useless for other test conditions.

Brabbs, Theodore A.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Experimental Investigation of Jet Impingement Heat Transfer Using Thermochromic Liquid Crystals

Jet impingement cooling of a hypersonic airfoil leading edge is experimentally investigated using thermochromic liquid crystals (TLCS) to measure surface temperature. The experiment uses computer data acquisition with digital imaging of the TLCs to determine heat transfer coefficients during a transient experiment. The data reduction relies on analysis of a coupled transient conduction - convection heat transfer problem that characterizes the experiment. The recovery temperature of the jet is accounted for by running two experiments with different heating rates, thereby generating a second equation that is used to solve for the recovery temperature. The resulting solution requires a complicated numerical iteration that is handled by a computer. Because the computational data reduction method is complex, special attention is paid to error assessment. The error analysis considers random and systematic errors generated by the instrumentation along with errors generated by the approximate nature of the numerical methods. Results of the error analysis show that the experimentally determined heat transfer coefficients are accurate to within 15%. The error analysis also shows that the recovery temperature data may be in error by more than 50%. The results show that the recovery temperature data is only reliable when the recovery temperature of the jet is greater than 5 C, i.e. the jet velocity is in excess of 100 m/s. Parameters that were investigated include nozzle width, distance from the nozzle exit to the airfoil surface, and jet velocity. Heat transfer data is presented in graphical and tabular forms. An engineering analysis of hypersonic airfoil leading edge cooling is performed using the results from these experiments. Several suggestions for the improvement of the experimental technique are discussed.

Dempsey, Brian Paul↗

NASA NTRS1973

Determination of the temperature of gas mixtures by using laser Raman scattering

A theoretical model for the Raman rotational spectrum of air was formulated, yielding the spectral temperature dependence; and an error analysis of temperature measurement accuracies was performed. The theoretical spectra and the predicted temperature measurement error of + or - 20 K (7 percent) compared well with experimental data. These experimental data consisted of Raman spectra of air obtained for temperatures ranging from 243 to 313 K at a pressure of 1 atmosphere. The use of selected lines resulted in an experimental accuracy of + or - 13 K (-5 percent).

Coney, T. A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Turbulent boundary layer over solid and porous surfaces with small roughness

The wind tunnel models and instrumentation used as well as data reduction and error analysis techniques employed are described for an experimental study conducted to measure directly skin friction and obtain profiles of mean velocity, axial and normal turbulence intensity, and Reynolds stress in the untripped boundary on a large diameter axisymmetric body. Results are given for such a body with a (1) smooth, solid surface; (2) a sandpaper roughened, solid surface; (3) a sintered metal, porous surface; (4) a ""smooth'' performated titanium surface; (5) a rough, solid surface made of fine diffusion bonded screening; and (6) a rough, porous surface made of the same screening. The roughness values were in low range (k+ 5 to 7) just above what is normally considered ""hydraulically smooth''. Measurements were taken at several axial locations and tow or normal stream freestream velocities, 45.1 m/sec and 53.5 m/sec.

Kong, F. Y.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Relations between mirror flats geometry and X-ray data

The X-ray data is used to determine the position where the mirror flats are properly aligned. The zero angle of incidence position of the mirrors is determined with the data. The mirrors are in the periscope geometry. However, the value of S sub T, the distance from the slit to the plane of the short mirror, is not fixed nor known a priori. This parameter plays a very important role in the zero position of the mirrors. As a further complicating factor, it is possible that the mirrors are not parallel. That is, they may be cocked by some angles alpha and beta, respectively. The relation between the X-ray data and the geometry of the mirrors is given. The experimental errors are given in terms of known or measured parameters.

Williams, A. C.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Non-linear dynamics of a geared rotor-bearing system with multiple clearances

The nonlinear frequency response characteristics of a geared rotor-bearing system are examined. A three-DOF dynamic model is developed which includes nonlinearities associated with radial clearances in the radial rolling element bearings and backlash between a spur gear pair; linear time-invariant gear meshing stiffness is assumed. The corresponding linear system problem is also solved, and predicted natural frequencies and modes match with finite element method results. The applicability of both analytical and numerical solution techniques to the multi-DOF nonlinear problem is investigated. Satisfactory agreement is found between the theory presented here and the available experimental data. Nonlinear modal interactions and differences between internal static transmission error excitation and external torque excitation are discussed. In addition, parametric studies are performed to understand the effect of system parameters such as bearing stiffness to gear mesh stiffness ratio, alternating to mean force ratio and radial bearing preload to mean force ratio on the nonlinear dynamic behavior.

Kahraman, A.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Calculation of molecular excitation rates

State-to-state collisional excitation rates for interstellar molecules observed by radio astronomers continue to be required to interpret observed line intensities in terms of local temperatures and densities. A problem of particular interest is collisional excitation of water which is important for modeling the observed interstellar masers. In earlier work supported by a different NASA Grant, excitation of water in collisions with He atoms was studied; after many years of successively more refined calculations that problem now seems to be well understood, and discrepancies with earlier experimental data for related (pressure broadening) phenomena are believed to reflect experimental errors. Because of interstellar abundances, excitation by H2, the dominant interstellar species, is much more important than excitation by He, although it has been argued that rates for excitation by these are similar. Under the current grant theoretical study of this problem has begun which is greatly complicated by the additional degrees of freedom which must be included both in determining the interaction potential and also in the molecular scattering calculation. We have now computed the interaction forces for nearly a thousand molecular geometries and are close to having an acceptable global fit to these points which is necessary for the molecular dynamics calculations. Also, extensive modifications have been made to the molecular scattering code, MOLSCAT. These included coding the rotational basis sets and coupling matrix elements required for collisions of an asymmetric top with a linear rotor. A new method for numerical solution of the coupled equations has been incorporated. Because of the long-ranged nature of the water-hydrogen interaction it is necessary to integrate the equations to rather large intermolecular separations, and the integration methods previously available in MOLSCAT are not ideal for such cases. However, the method used by Alexander in his HIBRIDON code is particularly suited for such cases. We have obtained this code and incorporated that part which solves the coupled differential equations as an option in the MOLSCAT program.

Flynn, George↗

NASA NTRS2008

An Improved Formulation for Calorimetric Emittance Testing of Spacecraft Thermal Control Coatings

Spacecraft often really heavily on passive thermal control to maintain operating temperature. An important parameter in the spacecraft heat balance equation is the emittance of thermal control coatings as a function of coating temperature. One method for determining the emittance of spacecraft thermal control from elevated temperature to cryogenic temperatures relies on a calorimetric technique. The fundamental equation governing this test method can be found in numerous places in the literature and although it generally provides reasonable results, its formulation is based on a conceptual flaw that only becomes apparent when the sample temperature approaches the wall temperature during testing. This paper investigates the cause for this error and develops the correct formulation for calorimetric emittance testing. Experimental data will also be presented that illustrates the difference between the two formulations and the resulting difference in the calculated emittance.

Kauder, Lonny R.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Assessment of NASA's Aircraft Noise Prediction Capability

A goal of NASA s Fundamental Aeronautics Program is the improvement of aircraft noise prediction. This document provides an assessment, conducted from 2006 to 2009, on the current state of the art for aircraft noise prediction by carefully analyzing the results from prediction tools and from the experimental databases to determine errors and uncertainties and compare results to validate the predictions. The error analysis is included for both the predictions and the experimental data and helps identify where improvements are required. This study is restricted to prediction methods and databases developed or sponsored by NASA, although in many cases they represent the current state of the art for industry. The present document begins with an introduction giving a general background for and a discussion on the process of this assessment followed by eight chapters covering topics at both the system and the component levels. The topic areas, each with multiple contributors, are aircraft system noise, engine system noise, airframe noise, fan noise, liner physics, duct acoustics, jet noise, and propulsion airframe aeroacoustics.

Dahl, Milo D.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Time resolved measurements in a low aspect ratio transonic compressor stage

The time resolved flowfield in a low aspect ratio transonic compressor stage has been studied using a high frequency response sphere probe with a bandpass of D.C. to 20 kHz in a blowdown compressor facility. Averaged over the compressor annulus, the data agree well with those measured with standard pitot type probes on the same stage in a conventional test rig. Not all the spanwise distributions agree, however. These differences are explained as errors in the pitot probe readings due to fluctuations in the flow. The experimental data are compared to the results of a three-dimensional inviscid Euler calculation.

Epstein, A. H.↗

NASA NTRS1994

The Circumstellar Imager: Direct detection of extra-solar planetary systems

The Astrometric Imaging Telescope (AIT) is designed to probe the circumstellar environment by both direct imaging and indirect astrometric measurements. The Circumstellar Imager (CI) is a coronagraphic camera and is the direct imaging component of the AIT. The CI is designed to obtain high-sensitivity images of the circumstellar region. It provides crucial non-inferential information relating to the frequency, origin, and evolution of planetary systems and all forms of circumstellar matter. Such imaging is usually limited by the scattered and diffracted light halos of the star itself, which are greatly suppressed in the CI by mating a novel high-efficiency coronagraph with a phase-compensated optical system. For faint point sources in the circumstellar region, the CI will have a sensitivity in excess of 5 magnitudes fainter than the as-designed Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Laboratory data are shown for the coronagraph, which, in a diffraction-limited environment, is capable of suppressing the stellar diffraction sidelobes by several orders of magnitude without significant sacrifice of field of view. In order to realize the high rejection levels inherent in the coronagraph design, it is necessary to limit scatter in the optical systems, imposing a mid-spatial frequency figure error requirement an order of magnitude smaller than that of the HST. Experimental data directed toward meeting this requirement are also shown.

Ftaclas, Christ↗

NASA NTRS1987

A new art code for tomographic interferometry

A new algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) code based on the iterative refinement method of least squares solution for tomographic reconstruction is presented. Accuracy and the convergence of the technique is evaluated through the application of numerically generated interferometric data. It was found that, in general, the accuracy of the results was superior to other reported techniques. The iterative method unconditionally converged to a solution for which the residual was minimum. The effects of increased data were studied. The inversion error was found to be a function of the input data error only. The convergence rate, on the other hand, was affected by all three parameters. Finally, the technique was applied to experimental data, and the results are reported.

Tan, H.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Application Of Prony's Method To Data On Viscoelasticity

Prony coefficients found by computer program, without trial and error. Computational method and computer program developed to exploit full potential of Prony's interpolation method in analysis of experimental data on relaxation modules of viscoelastic material. Prony interpolation curve chosen to give least-squares best fit to "B-spline" interpolation of experimental data.

Rodriguez, Pedro I.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Improvements in Electron-Probe Microanalysis: Applications to Terrestrial, Extraterrestrial, and Space-Grown Materials

Improvement in the accuracy of electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA) has been accomplished by critical assessment of standards, correction algorithms, and mass absorption coefficient data sets. Experimental measurement of relative x-ray intensities at multiple accelerating potential highlights errors in the absorption coefficient. The factor method has been applied to the evaluation of systematic errors in the analysis of semiconductor and silicate minds. Accurate EPMA of Martian soil stimulant is necessary in studies that build on Martian rover data in anticipation of missions to Mars.

Carpenter, Paul↗

NASA NTRS1990

Integration of system identification and robust controller designs for flexible structures in space

A novel approach is developed using experimental data from the structural testing of a physical system to identify a reduced-order model and its error for a robust controller design. There are three steps involved in the approach. First, an approximately balanced model is identified using the eigensystem realization algorithm, which is an identification algorithm. Second, the model error is calculated and described in frequency domain in terms of the H(infinity) norm. Third, a pole-placement technique in combination with an H(infinity) control method is applied to design a controller for the system. A set of experimental data from an existing setup, namely the Mini-Mast system, is used to illustrate and verify the approach development in this paper.

Juang, Jer-Nan↗